【A Certain Scientific Railgun】 Tachikawa City, Tokyo
“A Certain Scientific Railgun” is an anime beloved by many fans as a spin-off derived from Kazuma Kamachi’s “A Certain Magical Index” series. This work, which depicts the activities of Mikoto Misaka and others on the stage of Academy City, is actually modeled after the Tama region of Tokyo, and numerous pilgrimage sites exist.
This article provides detailed information on major location scouting spots within Tokyo for those planning a pilgrimage to the holy sites of “A Certain Scientific Railgun.” From Season 1 through Season 3 “T,” we comprehensively explain locations that appeared in each season.
The Holy Sites of “A Certain Scientific Railgun” are Concentrated in the Tama Region of Tokyo
The model for Academy City in “A Certain Scientific Railgun” is primarily the Tama region of Tokyo. In particular, the holy sites are concentrated in two areas: Tachikawa City and Tama City, making efficient pilgrimage possible.
Why Tachikawa Became the Model for Academy City
Tachikawa City is a core city in the Tama region, located approximately 40 km west of central Tokyo. Its vast redevelopment areas, modern buildings, and well-maintained pedestrian overpasses and underground passages possess a futuristic urban landscape that aligns with the image of “Academy City,” which is believed to be why it was chosen as the setting for the work.
The area around Tachikawa Station is a transportation hub where the JR Chuo Line, Nambu Line, Ome Line, and Tama Monorail intersect, with good accessibility—approximately 40 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Chuo Line Express. Centered on the station, the north exit side features bustling commercial districts and shopping facilities, while the south exit side spreads residential areas, recreating the diverse landscapes of Academy City as depicted in the story.
Detailed Holy Site Pilgrimage Spots Around Tachikawa Station
The Tachikawa Station North Exit area is a treasure trove of holy sites that appear most frequently throughout the entire “A Certain Scientific Railgun” series. Here we introduce the main spots in detail.
Tachikawa Station North Exit Deck
Appearance Scenes: Opening, ending, and numerous scenes from the anime in Seasons 1, 2, and 3
The station deck at the north exit of Tachikawa Station is depicted as a place where Mikoto and friends frequently pass through. From the spacious pedestrian deck, you can take in a panoramic view of Tachikawa’s townscape and experience the scenery you saw in the anime.
Photography Point: The composition facing north from the center of the deck most closely matches the anime’s cut. However, given the heavy foot traffic, please be considerate of those around you when photographing.
Akebono Overpass (曙陸橋)
Appearance Scenes: Episode 1 of “A Certain Scientific Railgun T,” scene where Mikoto and friends walk
This pedestrian bridge is located approximately 5 minutes on foot east from the north exit of Tachikawa Station in the direction of Tokyo. Positioned to span over the JR Chuo Line, it appeared in the anime in a scene where Mikoto and friends walk while talking.
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Tachikawa Station North Exit heading toward Akebono Town
Caution: Located on a busy main road with heavy traffic, so please exercise extreme caution regarding safety when photographing.
Fareh Tachikawa
Appearance Scenes: Ending of “A Certain Scientific Railgun T,” a place where Mikoto and friends pass through
Fareh Tachikawa is a large-scale urban development area located approximately 7 minutes on foot from the north exit of Tachikawa Station. With 109 art pieces scattered throughout and a near-future urban landscape, it is quite literally Academy City itself. It served as the stage for a scene in the ending where Mikoto and her friends walk happily.
Highlights: Colorful buildings, objects, and well-maintained sidewalks—a place where you can experience the anime’s world view.
Parthenon Avenue
Appearance Scenes: Episode 1 of “A Certain Scientific Railgun T,” the place where Uiharu and Saten were waiting
A wide avenue extending from the north exit of Tachikawa Station, characterized by its broad sidewalks. It appeared in Episode 1 when Uiharu and Saten were waiting for Mikoto. The buildings and street trees lining both sides create the everyday scenery of Academy City.
Photography Point: A composition facing north from around the center of the avenue is recommended.
Tachikawa Kita Station Intersection Area
Appearance Scenes: Episode 12 of “A Certain Scientific Railgun S,” among others
The intersection near Tachikawa Kita Station on the Tama Monorail, appearing in “Railgun S” multiple times. Located between Shibazaki-cho 3-chome and Tachikawa High School West Intersection, it appeared in the anime as the background during Mikoto and friends’ movement.
Access: 3 minutes on foot from Tachikawa Station North Exit, immediately near Tachikawa Kita Station on the Tama Monorail
Koshu Kaido Station Area
Appearance Scenes: Multiple episodes of “A Certain Scientific Railgun T”
The area around Koshu Kaido Station on the Tama Monorail, extending toward the Tachibi Bridge, also appears in the work. The modern buildings and elevated structures around the station well express the atmosphere of Academy City.
Access: Immediately upon exiting Koshu Kaido Station on the Tama Monorail
“To Aru” Series Collaboration Vending Machines
Multiple specially-designed vending machines collaborating with the “To Aru” series are installed throughout Tachikawa City (installation status varies by period). Vending machines featuring character designs are popular as commemorative photography spots for pilgrimage.
How to Find: Primarily installed around Tachikawa Station North Exit, though positions may change, so checking the latest information via SNS is recommended.
Holy Site Pilgrimage Spots Around Tama Center
Alongside Tachikawa, another important holy site area is the Tama Center vicinity in Tama City, Tokyo. Centered around Tama Center Station, served by the Keio Line, Odakyu Line, and Tama Monorail, several important spots exist.
Jonathan Tama Center Station Front Branch
Appearance Scenes: Episode 8 of “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Season 1, the place where Mikoto meets with thugs to obtain information about Level Upper
The Tama Center Station Front branch of the family restaurant “Jonathan” appeared in a scene where Mikoto, acting cute, attempts to extract information from thugs. The interior structure and views from the windows match the anime’s depiction.
Access: 1 minute on foot from Tama Center Station
Caution: As this is an operating restaurant, please conduct yourself as a regular customer with propriety if you choose to visit.
Tama Center Station Area Overpasses and Decks
Appearance Scenes: Multiple episodes of both “A Certain Magical Index” and “A Certain Scientific Railgun”
The pedestrian overpasses and decks installed around Tama Center Station, appearing multiple times throughout the series, express Academy City’s three-dimensional transportation network.
Highlights: The near-future-designed pedestrian overpasses offering views of the townscape below allow you to truly feel the atmosphere of Academy City.
Parthenon Tama Area
The area around “Parthenon Tama,” a cultural facility located approximately 5 minutes on foot from Tama Center Station, occasionally appears as a background in the work. The building modeled on Greek architecture and the surrounding well-maintained park evoke the image of Academy City’s cultural facilities.
Inokashira Park (Mitaka City / Musashino City)
Appearance Scenes: Episode 21 of “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Season 1, the park where Uiharu and Haruen visit
Inokashira Imperial Park, spanning Mitaka City and Musashino City in Tokyo, served as the model for the park visited by Uiharu and Haruen. A nature-rich park centered around a pond, it appeared in the anime as the background for a scene where the two converse.
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line, or 1 minute on foot from Inokashira Park Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
Highlights: An urban park where you can enjoy nature in every season, and boating is also available.
Efficient Route Plans for Holy Site Pilgrimage
We introduce model routes for efficiently visiting the holy sites of “A Certain Scientific Railgun.”
1-Day Course: Tachikawa Area Concentration Plan
Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Tachikawa Station North Exit Deck (30 minutes) — Upon arrival, first experience the atmosphere of the station deck, which appears most frequently in the work
- Parthenon Avenue (20 minutes) — Explore the wide avenue on foot from the station
- Fareh Tachikawa (60 minutes) — Explore the stage of the ending while viewing art pieces
- Tachikawa Kita Station Intersection Area (30 minutes) — Explore beneath the Tama Monorail elevated line
- Akebono Overpass (30 minutes) — The stage of an important scene from “Railgun T”
- Collaboration Vending Machine Search (60 minutes) — Search for character vending machines around the north exit
- Meal and Rest Around Tachikawa Station (60 minutes)
2-Day Course: Complete Tachikawa + Tama Center Conquest Plan
Day 1: Tachikawa Area (same as the 1-day course above)
Day 2: Tama Center and Inokashira Park Area
- Tama Center Station Area Deck (30 minutes)
- Jonathan Tama Center Station Front Branch (60 minutes) — Visit while having lunch
- Parthenon Tama Area (30 minutes)
- Travel (60 minutes) — From Tama Center via Keio Line and JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji
- Inokashira Park (90 minutes) — Explore while reminiscing about the scene with Uiharu and Haruen
Manners and Access Information for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Basic Etiquette
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Some photography spots include private land or commercial facilities. Do not enter without permission.
- Consideration for Operating Businesses: Establishments like Jonathan are actively operating. If you visit, conduct yourself as a regular customer.
- Photography on Sidewalks and Intersections: At busy locations, be considerate not to obstruct foot traffic.
- Avoid Loud Conversations or Loud Voices: As residential areas are nearby, please be mindful of noise.
- Always Take Your Trash With You: To keep the holy sites beautiful, manage your garbage responsibly.
Access to Tachikawa
By Train:
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 40 minutes via JR Chuo Line Express
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 25 minutes via JR Chuo Line Rapid
- From Haneda Airport: Approximately 90 minutes via Keikyu Line, JR Yamanote Line, and Chuo Line
- From Narita Airport: Approximately 120 minutes via Narita Express and JR Chuo Line
By Car:
- From “Kunitachi-Fuchu IC” on the Chuo Expressway: Approximately 10 minutes
- Parking: Multiple coin parking lots around Tachikawa Station (approximately 300-500 yen per hour)
Access to Tama Center
By Train:
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 30 minutes via Keio Line Express
- From Shin-Yurigaoka Station: Approximately 15 minutes via Odakyu Tama Line
- From Tachikawa Station: Approximately 25 minutes via Tama Monorail
Tourist Spots Around Tachikawa to Enjoy Alongside Pilgrimage
Showa Kinen Park
A national park located 10 minutes on foot from Tachikawa Station. With its vast grounds where flowers bloom in every season, it’s ideal for cycling and picnicking. Perfect as a rest stop during your pilgrimage.
IKEA Tachikawa
Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Tachikawa Station. This large Nordic furniture store offers shopping and dining.
Tachikawa Cinema City
Famous as a movie theater, where theatrical versions of the “To Aru” series occasionally show.
Seasonal Enjoyment of Holy Site Pilgrimage
Spring (March – May)
The cherry blossom lined streets of Tachikawa and the blooming flowers in Showa Kinen Park are beautiful in this season. You can fully savor the atmosphere of spring Academy City as depicted in the anime. However, please note that photographing during cherry blossom season requires care due to crowds.
Summer (June – August)
Summer scenes appear frequently in the “Railgun” series. Take proper heat precautions and remember to stay hydrated. It’s recommended to stay cool in commercial facilities around Tachikawa Station while exploring.
Autumn (September – November)
A season with comfortable weather, perfect for holy site pilgrimage. A visit to Inokashira Park with its beautiful autumn leaves is best timed for this season.
Winter (December – February)
A season when Tachikawa’s illuminations are beautiful. You can experience the atmosphere of Academy City at night. Visit with proper cold-weather preparation.
Record-Keeping Methods and SNS Utilization for Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
- Prepare Anime Screenshots: Saving relevant anime scenes to your smartphone beforehand makes it easier to match compositions.
- Photograph from the Same Angle and Height: Reproducing the anime’s camera angles creates a better atmosphere.
- Consider Time of Day: Visiting at the same time of day as scenes in the work allows you to reproduce even the angle of light.
Sharing on SNS
When sharing holy site pilgrimage records on SNS, utilize the following hashtags:
- #とある科学の超電磁砲
- #レールガン聖地巡礼
- #立川聖地巡礼
- #とあるシリーズ
- #学園都市
By sharing on Twitter and Instagram and interacting with other fans enjoying holy site pilgrimage similarly, you may discover new spot information.
How to Choose Accommodations
For visitors from afar, multiple hotels exist around Tachikawa Station.
Recommended Areas
- Around Tachikawa Station North Exit: Closest to the holy sites, allowing you to begin exploration early
- Around Tachikawa Station South Exit: Relatively quiet, with abundant business hotels
- Around Tama Center Station: Convenient for exploring the Tama area’s holy sites
Budget Guide
- Business hotels: 5,000-8,000 yen/night
- City hotels: 8,000-15,000 yen/night
- Capsule hotels: 3,000-5,000 yen/night
Differences in Holy Sites Across Each “A Certain Scientific Railgun” Series
Season 1 (2009)
Numerous foundational holy sites appear, centered around Tachikawa Station North Exit, Jonathan in Tama Center, and Inokashira Park. Many scenes depict the everyday landscape of Academy City, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the entire city.
Season 2 “S” (2013)
In addition to Season 1’s holy sites, more detailed areas appear, such as the Tachikawa Kita Station intersection area and the Koshu Kaido Station area. The landscape of Tachikawa is used in important scenes of the Sisters arc as well.
Season 3 “T” (2020)
Many new spots appear, including Akebono Overpass, Fareh Tachikawa, and Parthenon Avenue. In particular, the ending scene where Mikoto and her friends walk happily through Fareh Tachikawa is impressive.
Apps and Tools Useful for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Stage Exploration Support Apps
- Butaiomeguri: An app allowing you to check anime holy site information on a map. Information on the “To Aru” series is particularly thorough.
- Google Maps: Pre-registering spots as favorites allows for efficient exploration.
Transfer Guidance
- Yahoo! Transit Guide: Convenient for planning travel between Tachikawa and Tama Center and accessing each spot.
Conclusion: Experience the World of Academy City
Holy site pilgrimage for “A Certain Scientific Railgun” unfolds primarily in Tachikawa City and Tama City in Tokyo. The streets of Tachikawa, with its futuristic urban landscape, well-maintained pedestrian overpasses and decks, and integrated everyday scenery, are quite literally Academy City itself.
Major holy sites are concentrated within walking distance of stations, making it possible to visit the main spots in a single day. However, for those wishing to savor the work’s world more deeply, spending two days exploring both Tachikawa and Tama Center areas is recommended.
Through holy site pilgrimage, experience the scenery you saw in the anime in person and feel the atmosphere of Academy City where Mikoto and her friends spent their time. However, as this is a city where people actually live, please conduct yourself with proper etiquette and consideration for the community.
Walking the streets of Tachikawa will surely make you feel like a resident of Academy City. Immerse yourself in the world of “A Certain Scientific Railgun” and enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.
